JR Madge Cora (Thompson) Leis

She was the type of woman who brought a lot to the table—love, intelligence, wisdom, purpose, class, ambition, value, and drive.

Affectionately known as JR, Warrior Woman by friends and family—partly because of her heritage as the great-granddaughter of Chief Nannock of the Tahltan Nation, but also because she was a force of nature. She fought fiercely to right wrongs, filled every room with her vibrant energy, and embodied a disciplined work ethic. She was a woman who loved those around her passionately, offering intelligence, wisdom, encouragement, and drive to all she embraced.

In her early life, she aspired to become a nun. Though circumstances led her down a different path, she always reflected on that time as purposeful and life-changing. She described feeling called by a divine light and considered her time at the convent a profound blessing.

She was a superb athlete, competing in long-distance running, basketball, and volleyball. She also coached a young women’s baseball team. A dedicated scholar, she studied business administration, became an entrepreneur, and held over 30 directorships in private and publicly traded companies, as well as other organizations. She was a political force—serving as a financial agent and a member of the leadership selection committee—continuing her family's tradition of political engagement, following in the footsteps of her late father and grandfather.

However, her favorite role was as a television interviewer, where she had the opportunity to connect with fascinating people and explore compelling ideas.

She is survived by her husband and partner of over 45 years, whose love for her was expressed through their shared vision and life strategies; the four children they raised; their grandchildren; her sister and her children; and her 96-year-old mother.

She will be deeply missed, and those she held close are forever changed by this moment in time. Yet, because of her lasting impact on us all, she has given us her power and wings to fly.

JR, we love you.